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Barbora Neuwirthová, VSB - Technical University of Ostrava,
ročník 3About the country
Location of the place
Cyprus is located in the Eastern Mediterranean. It is the third largest and the most populous island in the Mediterranean. It's situated south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon, northwest of Israel and Palestine and north of Egypt.
City
Limassol is the second largest city (after Nicosia) situated on the southern coast of Cyprus.
The city has direct acces to the sea, long and very nice promenade along the seaside that ends at the Old Port. It has also one new port called Marina. Then in the city center there are many bars and restaurants around the medieval castle and there is one small ZOO close to the city center.
The city has direct acces to the sea, long and very nice promenade along the seaside that ends at the Old Port. It has also one new port called Marina. Then in the city center there are many bars and restaurants around the medieval castle and there is one small ZOO close to the city center.
Surroundings (possible trips, ...)
The whole island is not that big so there is a possibility to discover more than just the city. The public transport is not that advanced even if there are some buses that go around (Intercity Buses are the best ones) still renting a car is the best option to see everything you want. I would definitely recomend the mountain area- Troodos and Platres, the cities Paphos and Larnaca and the beaches as- Kurion, Lara, Aphroditie's Rocks and Fig Bay.
Employer
Employer
I worked at Cyprus University of Technology in Limassol. I was a part of Architects that provide services to University.
Work description
I helped with everything what was needed at that moment. I created Evacuation Plan for existing buildings according to Local Health & Safety Requirements, I did alterations on existing drawing and drafting new ones in ArchiCad and later transfered to AutoCad. I prepared Presentation of finished projects in MS word and MS powerpoint inclusion in site meetings.
Salary (sufficient for local conditions?)
Salary of 165euro/week was more or less sufficient. Rent cost 91euro/week and diet costs were similar to Czech Republic (excpet restaurants).
Language requirements
Everyone there can speak English very well. English level was quite high, but I survived and understood as well even if I wasn't that good in it.
Accommodation (price, who provided it)
Accommodation was arranged by Iaeste in university appartments. But it was one big question for me. All the Iaeste students were divided into 3 building and despite the fact I arrived as the first one there I got a room in "crappy building" (how the others called it) for the same price as the others that lived in a new and very nice appartments. Nevetheless there was everything necessary what anyone could need. One big room with bed (without linen, sheet and pillow), desk,2 chairs, small wardrobe, shelve, small fridge and even private "bathroom" with toilet, basin and shower all in a room 1x2,5 metres and shared kitchen a laundry per floor. The rent cost 91euro/week.
Social life
Meeting IAESTE members (pick-up at the airport, organized events...)
I have to say that everything was very well organized. Once I came to the city from the airport by shuttle bus I got into the taxi that was prepared for me and it took me directly to the university where some volunteers were waiting for me. They showed me the way to my appartment, my room and they told me some necessary informations about the city, work, atc.
During the internship there were 2 organized trips by Iaeste. They were amazing and very nice. They took us by mini bus to the places we haven't been to for free. We even got a snacks during the day and one of the trip was with a guide.
During the internship there were 2 organized trips by Iaeste. They were amazing and very nice. They took us by mini bus to the places we haven't been to for free. We even got a snacks during the day and one of the trip was with a guide.
Meeting other foreign students
I was very lucky because I've met great group of students there. We were 11 in total in Limassol and we were all from diferent countries. We were always together almost all day, went to trips outside the city, rent a cars, etc. Thanks to them it was one of the best summer I have ever had.
Sport and culture
Right next to the appartments was a gym that all students could use for free. There is one workout playground outside right next to the sea and a lot of bike paths along the seaside. I borrowed a bike from university and it was very helpful for moving faster than walking through the city.
Food, local specialties
I fell in love with Greek cuisine even before. But there I enjoyed fresh and very sweet fruits and vegetables as much as I could. Now I really miss that taste of it in Czech Republic. There are plenty of local taverns, restaurants and bars. I had seafood many times and also greek souvlaki. If you want to enjoy the local meal try MEZE- you will try everything. Right in Limassol there is a brewery KEO that produces their own beer, wines, juices, etc. Not that bad. It worths trying it.
Other information
Possibilites to communicate with the Czech Republic
Without any problem since there's possibility to call back to CR for the same prices like at home.
Recommendations for students who will go to the same place
Enjoy the stay there as much as you can! Try to ask university for renting a bike and go to the Old Port for a beer and dinner once. The prices there are similar to the other restaurants and the place is much more beautifull. And pay attention!!! The drivers are driving on the left side.
What not to forget with you
Sheets, linen, pillow if you need, electricity adapter (but you can buy it there for not more than 3 euros), cabel for internet access (RJ45) and some kitchen staff - ask first if there is something. I didn't take anything with me and I had to buy everything there.
Benefits of the internship
To get practice in your field of study and even in English, to stay abroad for a longer period - discovering the place and the culture, travelling around, etc., to make friends from foreign countries.
Cooperation with IAESTE in the foreign country
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Overall experience with IAESTE
Excellent. Well organized, helpful and very nice atmosphere made by all the volunteers.
Student's website
https://www.facebook.com/iaestecy/
Employer's webiste
https://www.cut.ac.cy/?languageId=1
Other useful links
https://2gis.com.cy/cyprus - usefull maps even by app, working more than Google Maps
http://www.cyprusbybus.com/setups.aspx - bus transport in the cities
http://www.intercity-buses.com/?wp=routes - intercity buses
http://www.cyprusbybus.com/setups.aspx - bus transport in the cities
http://www.intercity-buses.com/?wp=routes - intercity buses
Other comments
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